Slab Cabin Run Stormwater Bioretention Project Construction Completed (Spring 2007)

This project was a PA-DEP Growing Greener Project designed to reduce stream erosion and water pollution in Slab Cabin Run and Spring Creek caused by increased stormwater runoff from upstream urbanization. The project, coordinated by PSU, involved the construction of rock and log structures in the stream channel to reattach the stream channel to its historical floodplain in the Millbrook Marsh.  The project was completed in Spring 2007.

The project was carefully planned to recognize the environmental sensitivity of the area and was constructed by a specialized stream restoration company (Wallace & Pancher Inc.) to insure that these impacts and disruptions are minimized to the greatest extent possible.

Your cooperation and support of this important project was greatly appreciated. Slab Cabin Run is a vital component of the Millbrook Marsh ecosystem and this represents a substantial effort to protect this resource from further degradation as the watershed continues to urbanize.

The official Penn State news release of 27 Sep 06 follows:

Slab Cabin Run Stormwater Bioretention Project

(University Park) The Penn State Office of Physical Plant will be improving stream banks in the vicinity of the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center beginning October 1, 2006. Construction at three locations within the area is expected to be completed before December 2006. All in-stream work will be finished by October 15 to accommodate the wild trout spawning cycle within the watershed.

This project is a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Growing Greener initiative designed to reduce stream erosion and water pollution in Slab Cabin Run and Spring Creek caused by increased stormwater runoff from upstream urbanization.

The project will involve the construction of rock and log structures in the stream channel to reattach the stream channel to its historical flood plain in the Millbrook Marsh. During the construction period, access along the stream will be temporarily interrupted. Also, due to the nature of the construction work, water quality downstream of the in-stream construction sites will have short-term increased turbidity.

This initiative has been carefully planned, recognizing the environmental sensitivity of the area and is being implemented in a manner which will minimize impacts and disruptions. Slab Cabin Run is a vital component of the Millbrook Marsh ecosystem and this represents a substantial effort to protect this resource from further degradation as the watershed continues to urbanize.

For further information, please contact Paul Ruskin at 863-9620 or via e-mail at pdr2@psu.edu.

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